The 2023 Annual General Meeting saw three more club legends recognised with their deserved elevation to the Honourary Vice President’s list.

The trio, who have worked tirelessly both on and off the field, all in the name of Calmore Sports Club over a great many years were nominated by club President Steve Brandes and the healthy attendance at the meeting unanimously voted them in.

Former 1st XI captains James Hibberd and Paul Cass were joined on the 16-strong list of legendary names by Roy Walton, who has played for every team in the club from first XI to fourth XI and across the youth teams.

James Hibberd started his career at Calmore Sports as a fresh-faced 14-year-old and, within a couple of years, had been drafted into the first XI, claiming former New Zealand batter Chris Nevin as his first wicket in the defeat at Liphook & Ripsley.  It would be the first of 120 in Calmore green across 113 games, whilst also scoring 2,319 runs with a century and 16 fifties from 1997 to 2021, returning to the club after spells with BAT Sports and South Wilts, in 2019 and playing four more SPCL games, claiming six wickets and adding a half-century to his mammoth SPL tally, one of the top 10 wicket-takers in the league’s history.  He captained the first XI on 13 occasions in 2003-2004 whilst on the staff at Hampshire.

However, it has been his work off the field in recent years with coaching and guiding the youth teams that has been invaluable and his appointment as one of the Vice Presidents is nothing if not deserved.

133 first XI games, 2,510 runs and 140 wickets to his name, Paul Cass took over the captaincy from James in 2005 during one of the toughest times in the clubs’ history.  He led the side 18 times and led from the front with 22 wickets in that season and he would play 11 seasons for the club from 2000 to 2013.  One of six 1st XI players in the clubs’ history to score 2,000 runs and take 100 wickets, he was one of the pivotal players and helped the club regain their SPCL status in 2010 with a superb 612 runs including three centuries and 19 wickets in the 2009 HCL championship winning campaign.

He is now the clubs’ principle sponsor with his Paul Cass Landscapes company and has worked hard around the ground whilst also helping out with the junior teams with his children, who are all coming through the junior ranks.  He is more than worthy of his nomination.

A player of significant renowned, he only played 36 first XI games but his legendary status is assured.  Left-arm seamer Roy Walton has played for the club since 1988 and played for every team across the club – from 1st XI to 4th XI, Sunday 1sts and 2nds, Border League and across the age groups as a flourishing quick bowler.  He would make his debut for the 1st XI against Longparish in 1992 but only played two more games in the ones in a decade.  He would be a regular feature in the HCL side of 2007 and 2008, taking 34 wickets across those two seasons.

It was a member of the club committee and someone, who alongside wife Tracey, was instrumental in the organisation of the memorable Calmore Sports Club 100th anniversary celebration at St Mary’s Stadium in 2013 which set him apart and he continues to play well into his fifth decade of activity – still roaring in for the 3rd and 4th XIs in the Hampshire League.  A true legend of the club – he is another who is fully deserving of this award.

They are the seventh inductees in the last two years as the club look to replace those who have left us in the last few seasons, namely Chick Chandler, Cllr John Dawson and John Hopkins.

CALMORE SPORTS CLUB VICE PRESIDENTS
Stuart Bailey
Paul Cass
Ray Chilcott
Roger Cronan
Bruce Elkins
Michael Gurd
James Hibberd
Graham Love
Roy Matthews
Malcolm Parton
Tom Pegler
Tony Smyth
Darren Vann
Roy Walton
Bob Wilcocks
Keith Woodhall

CLUB LIFE MEMBERS
Steve Brandes
Terry Chilcott
Maurice Geary
Ray Hurst
Terry Sweetman